Wisconsin FHA Loans at a Glance: just 3.5% down · FICO from 580 · statewide $541,287, St. Croix/Pierce $552,000 · pairs with WHEDA DPA · NMLS #1826020
Wisconsin FHA Home Loans · Direct Lender Since 1998

FHA Loans Wisconsin

Buy a Wisconsin home with as little as 3.5% down and a credit score from 580. From Milwaukee to Madison and the Twin Cities-adjacent St. Croix Valley, FHA keeps ownership affordable – and it pairs with WHEDA down-payment help of up to 6% of the price.

  • 3.5% down with a 580+ FICO (10% down from 500-579)
  • Pair WHEDA Easy Close (up to 6%) or the forgivable Capital Access DPA
  • Statewide $541,287; Twin Cities-side St. Croix and Pierce $552,000
  • Great for Milwaukee, Madison and cross-border commuters
  • Gift funds welcome; seller can pay up to 6% of closing costs

Start My Wisconsin FHA Application →

Get Pre-Approved for a Wisconsin FHA Loan

Fast, friendly, no obligation.

Get Your Free Quote! No Credit Pull Required.

★ 3.5% down★ 580 credit OK★ WHEDA DPA★ Affordable market★ First-time friendly★ Serving WI since 1998

Why an FHA loan works in Wisconsin

An FHA loan is a government-insured mortgage that helps Wisconsin buyers qualify with flexible credit, a low down payment and higher debt-to-income than conventional financing. In an affordable state, 3.5% down covers most of the market.

Wisconsin pairs Milwaukee and Madison job strength with cross-border growth in the St. Croix Valley near the Twin Cities. Whether you are buying your first home in Green Bay or a place near Elmbrook’s top schools, an FHA loan stacked with WHEDA help gets you to closing with less cash down. Start your application →

2026 Wisconsin FHA loan limits by county

FHA loan limits are set by county. Almost all of Wisconsin is at the floor, with the two Twin Cities-side counties running slightly higher:

Standard Wisconsin counties (1-unit)$541,287 – most of the state, including Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington (Milwaukee metro) and Dane (Madison)
St. Croix & Pierce – Minneapolis MSA side (1-unit)$552,000
2-unit properties (floor)$693,050
3-4 unit properties (floor)$837,700 (3-unit) and $1,041,125 (4-unit)

2026 one-unit FHA limits set annually by HUD; 2-4 unit limits are higher. We confirm the exact limit for your Wisconsin county before you write an offer.

Ready to see how much home you can buy in Wisconsin with 3.5% down? Get pre-approved today.
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Wisconsin down payment assistance you can pair with FHA

Your FHA loan pairs with WHEDA (the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority), whose down-payment options fit different budgets:

Easy Close DPA

A second mortgage from $1,000 up to 6% of the price, repaid over 10 years at the same rate as your first mortgage.

Capital Access DPA

$3,050 up to 3% of the price as a forgivable second – returning on a limited-funding basis in 2026.

WHEDA Advantage first mortgage

WHEDA’s FHA product anchors the assistance – we set up the combination that fits.

Who qualifies

Income and purchase-price limits by county, plus a homebuyer education course.

Gift funds & seller credits

Combine gift funds and up to 6% in seller credits with FHA and WHEDA help to cut cash to close.

We match the program

We line up the WHEDA option that gets you to closing for the least cash.

Ask about WHEDA – up to 6% down-payment help for Wisconsin buyers.
See If You Qualify

Assistance programs have income, price and funding limits, are first-come while funds last, and are subject to change and eligibility. We confirm what you qualify for.

First-time buyer, family, or 55+ mover – we have a Wisconsin FHA program for you.
Start My Application

Wisconsin FHA loan requirements at a glance (2026)

How little you can put down3.5% with a 580 score – or 10% if your score is between 500 and 579
Score you need580 to start; we also coach borrowers who are rebuilding their credit
What MIP costs1.75% upfront (financed) and an annual premium near 0.15%-0.55% paid monthly
Debt-to-income roomOften 43%-50% with strong compensating factors and automated underwriting
Funding your down paymentPersonal savings, gift funds from relatives, or approved assistance programs
Seller-paid costsUp to 6% of the price can be contributed by the seller toward closing
Homes you can buySingle-family Wisconsin homes, approved condos and townhomes, and owner-occupied 2-4 units
Occupancy ruleFHA is for the home you will live in as your primary residence
Qualifying with helpNon-occupant co-borrowers are welcome to strengthen your application
Buy a Wisconsin home with an FHA loan - apply nowYour Wisconsin home is closer than you think →

Wisconsin FHA at a glance

  • Only 3.5% down required to get into a Wisconsin home
  • A 580 FICO is enough – and we help buyers rebuilding credit
  • Down payment can come from WHEDA help or family gifts
  • Eligible on homes, condos and 1-4 unit owner-occupied properties
  • Refinance later with a fast FHA Streamline, no appraisal

Get My FHA Pre-Approval →

Calculate your Wisconsin FHA loan

Use these quick Wisconsin FHA estimators to size up your payment and buying power, then apply for exact, personalized figures.

1. FHA monthly payment

Estimate your full monthly payment including FHA mortgage insurance.

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Total monthly payment
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Principal, interest & MIP

2. Down payment & cash to close

See your down payment and estimated cash after seller credits.

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Estimated cash to close
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Down payment amount

3. How much home can I afford?

Estimate your FHA price range from income and monthly debts.

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Estimated home price
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Max housing payment

4. FHA loan amount + MIP

See your base loan plus the 1.75% upfront MIP financed in.

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Total financed (with UFMIP)
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Base loan / 1.75% UFMIP

Estimates only and not a commitment to lend. FHA charges 1.75% upfront MIP (financed) plus a monthly annual premium (~0.55% here for illustration). Actual figures depend on your property, credit and qualification.

Stack WHEDA help with FHA - up to 6% of the price.
See If I Qualify

Family-friendly Wisconsin: best schools

School quality drives long-term home value. These Wisconsin areas are among the best-regarded in the state:

Elmbrook (Brookfield)

One of Wisconsin's top districts in the western Milwaukee suburbs.

Middleton-Cross Plains (Madison)

Highly rated schools west of Madison.

Mequon-Thiensville

Sought-after North Shore Milwaukee district.

Hamilton (Sussex/Waukesha)

Well-regarded, growing Waukesha County schools.

Verona (Madison area)

Strong, fast-growing district southwest of Madison.

Hudson (St. Croix County)

Top schools in the Twin Cities commuter belt.

Popular Wisconsin active-adult (55+) communities

Downsizing to an active-adult community in Wisconsin? FHA works there too (condos must be FHA-approved). Notable options:

Three Pillars (Waukesha County)

Established active-adult and continuing-care community.

Tuscany Ridge (Waukesha County)

Popular 55+ neighborhood in the Milwaukee suburbs.

Del Webb-style communities (Sussex)

Active-adult enclaves in western Waukesha County.

Active-adult sections (Madison area)

55+ neighborhoods in Middleton, Verona and Sun Prairie.

Villas communities (Fox Valley)

Maintenance-provided homes around Appleton and Oshkosh.

Condominium communities (statewide)

FHA-approved 55+ condos with low upkeep.

Where we lend in Wisconsin

From the big metros to small towns, we lend statewide. A sampling of the Wisconsin cities where we close FHA loans:

  • Milwaukee
  • Madison
  • Green Bay
  • Kenosha
  • Racine
  • Appleton
  • Waukesha
  • Oshkosh
  • Eau Claire
  • Janesville
  • La Crosse
  • Sheboygan
  • Wauwatosa
  • Fond du Lac
  • New Berlin
  • Brookfield
  • Menomonee Falls
  • Sun Prairie
  • West Allis
  • Hudson

Do not see your city? Start your application → - we lend statewide across Wisconsin.

Get your Wisconsin FHA loan moving

First-time buyer, growing family or downsizing to a 55+ community, we line up the best Wisconsin FHA program and get you pre-approved quickly with just 3.5% down.

  • Fast, no-obligation pre-approval
  • Gift funds and state DPA welcome
  • Hands-on Wisconsin help from application to closing

Apply for My Wisconsin FHA Loan →

Apply for your Wisconsin FHA home loanGet pre-approved with 3.5% down →

The 2027 Wisconsin FHA outlook

Here is where the Wisconsin market is heading into 2027 for FHA buyers:

St. Croix leads growth

Wisconsin's fastest-growing county as Twin Cities commuters chase affordability and the higher $552,000 limit.

Southeast Wisconsin jobs

Microsoft and Foxconn-corridor investment around Mount Pleasant and Racine fuel demand.

Madison stays tight

Biotech and the university keep Dane County inventory low and prices firm.

Affordable statewide

Wisconsin's low base prices keep FHA broadly usable at the floor into 2027.

Outlook only, not a guarantee or financial advice. Market conditions change; we give you current, personalized numbers when you apply.

How the Wisconsin FHA process works

Apply and get pre-approved

Fill out the quick application; we confirm budget, rate and down payment fast.

Go house-hunting

Search the Wisconsin neighborhoods and schools you love with a stronger offer in hand.

Underwriting

We order the FHA appraisal and clear your file with common-sense underwriting.

Move in

Sign at closing, take the keys, and settle into your new Wisconsin home.

Wisconsin FHA programs we offer

FHA home purchase

The 3.5%-down path to a Wisconsin primary residence - homes, condos and 2-4 units.

Rate/term streamline

Refinance an existing FHA loan to a better rate with minimal paperwork.

Renovation (203k)

One FHA loan that covers both the home and the repairs it needs.

Equity cash-out

Convert Wisconsin home equity to cash up to the FHA loan limit.

Approved-condo loans

Financing across FHA-approved Wisconsin condominium communities.

Assistance + gifts

Combine Wisconsin down-payment programs and family gifts to buy for less.

Wisconsin FHA loan questions, answered

What are the 2026 FHA loan limits in Wisconsin?

Almost all of Wisconsin is at the $541,287 floor, including the Milwaukee metro and Dane County (Madison). The only exception is St. Croix and Pierce counties on the Minneapolis-St. Paul MSA side, which are $552,000. Two-to-four unit limits are higher.

How does WHEDA down-payment help work with FHA?

WHEDA offers the Easy Close DPA (a repayable second from $1,000 up to 6% of the price) and the Capital Access DPA (a forgivable second up to 3%, on limited funding). Both pair with a WHEDA Advantage FHA first mortgage, subject to income and price limits.

How little can I put down on an FHA loan in Wisconsin?

As little as 3.5% with a 580 score (10% from 500-579). That down payment can come from your savings, a family gift, or eligible assistance.

Can I buy a Wisconsin condo with FHA?

Yes, as long as the condo is on the FHA-approved list or qualifies for single-unit approval - we will confirm your building before you write an offer.

Is an FHA loan right for first-time buyers in Wisconsin?

For most first-timers, yes - 3.5% down, flexible 580 credit, gift funds, and it combines with WHEDA down-payment assistance to shrink your out-of-pocket cost.

Does CambridgeHomeLoan.com lend directly?

Yes - we are a direct FHA lender (NMLS #1826020), serving homebuyers since 1998 with hands-on guidance start to finish.

Get pre-approved for your Wisconsin FHA loan

Start your Wisconsin FHA pre-approval now - low 3.5% down, flexible 580 credit, gift funds and state assistance accepted. Direct lender, no obligation, since 1998.

Get Pre-Approved for a Wisconsin FHA Loan

Fast, friendly, no obligation.

Get Your Free Quote! No Credit Pull Required.

Start My Application →

Serving Wisconsin homebuyers Since 1998!
© 2026 CambridgeHomeLoan.com  ·  NMLS #1826020  ·  4830 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609  ·  (800) 826-5077  ·  Equal Housing Lender  ·  NMLS Consumer Access

Rates, terms, FHA loan limits and program guidelines are for 2026, subject to change, and depend on the property, credit and qualification. Not a commitment to lend. This is not a government agency. Equal Housing Lender.


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